LUSH’s liquid lip color is formulated with a base of jojoba oil, candelilla wax, and rose wax with a blend of natural and safe synthetic pigments. Each bottle contains 5 grams of liquid lipstick, to be applied with the “doe-foot” applicator inside the screw-top cap.

There’s some variation in texture from color to color; for example, Power feels smoother and glossier than Perspective. Perhaps it’s the consistency of certain pigments that causes this difference?

In any case, Power is a delight to apply. Here’s a swatch on my arm:

Power is packed with color, so it’s easy to get full coverage with one or two swipes. (A little post-application blending with a fingertip helps to reach the corners and to apply the product more evenly, if you’re a bit clumsy as I am.)

This shade is a little less metallic on the skin than it looks in the tube, so it’s very wearable for a warm red. It’s also quite durable, lasting through eating and drinking and slowly wearing down into a stain. Power is just about as orange-y as I can go, and it demands a bit of blusher and mascara for balance. It’s bold in a playful way.

I also like the little mantra on the label: “POWER: Without force.” And I swear, I didn’t use any force when I reinserted the wand for a second dab of color to photograph, but the sponge tip fell off the wand and is now floating somewhere in the bottle of lip color.

I can use a Q-tip for application until I have a chance to purchase some new applicators at a beauty-supply store, or I might ask for a replacement at a LUSH shop. If you do buy this product, you might want to make sure that the applicator is firmly attached before you use it.

Otherwise: well done, LUSH! The product itself is well worth trying if you’re in the market for a long-wearing, semi-glossy red lipstick that doesn’t dry out the lips.

LUSH’s Emotional Brilliance line is available through the LUSH website (and LUSH stores). Liquid Lips sells for $22.95.